Staff Picks
What should you read, watch or listen to next? We're so glad you asked!
Love stumbling on a fun book display at the library? Welcome to the online version! Dive into our Library staff’s top picks—books, movies, music, and more—by theme, age, awards, read-alikes, and all kinds of cool topics we just can’t stop talking about.
Recent Staff Lists
The Compound Readalikes
Fast paced books with psychological suspense and sinister settings. Enjoy these titles while you wait on The Compound or as a readalike.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Ready your tea cups and Kleenex, Downton Abbey fans; the last film will be released in theaters on Friday, September 12.
Best New Cookbooks
I love food, cookbooks, and the library. These are my favorite new cookbooks that I checked out from the library over the past year.
Broken Country Readalikes
Enjoy these titles if you are waiting to read Broken Country, or if you love complex relationships and reflections on the road not taken.
On Being 40(ish)
We should celebrate the wisdom we gain as we age. Enjoy these inspirational, thought-provoking reads that are age-positive.
Titanic Stans
Can't get enough of everything Titanic? Here are more ideas to fuel the obsession.
Books released in the late 1800's
Have you ever been curious about the first books people may have passed around in the late 1800's in the United States?
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Are You Ready for Some Football (Romances?)
There's something at the library for every sports romance fan, ranging from sweet forward passes to spicy under-center action.
Mental Health Awareness for Teens
Memoirs, self-help books and works of fiction can shine a light on mental illness and help us all feel less alone.
Classics Made into Teen Rom-Coms
Read the classics? How about watch the classics as modern "masterpieces" of teen movies!
Teen Non-fiction: Race
Race Project KC's recommendations for books exploring race issues in the United States.
Cozy Fantasy
Need a heartwarming and humorous blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery in your life? Here are low-stakes and high-charm recommendations.
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
Ocean Movies for Kids and Families
Check out these movies for kids that all have an ocean theme. Learn about life in the deep blue sea!
The Dinosaurs We Made Along the Way
Tales from the Jurassic Park/World universe, as inspired by Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Wordless Picture Books
These wordless picture books are great for story telling practice and for using your imagination.
Books and rhymes from Storytime with Becky Carleton
Enjoy the songs, rhymes and fingerplays planned for Fall 2025 in our storytime events with Becky Carleton!
Picture Books for Teaching Cause and Effect
We all know what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. But what if you give a dragon a taco!?
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Reading with babies builds big brains and forms life-long bonds. Here's a list of my favorite books to read with babies.
Staff Pick Spotlight: Music
Couch Concert 🤘
Avoid the crowds and expense! Stay home, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these live performances and music documentaries.
Just the Jukebox Musicals
If you want a pick-me-up, some sing-along therapy, or just need a bop or two, these jukebox musicals are just the ticket.
Naxos Music Library
Music from the world's most extensive online classical music library. Unlimited streaming.
More Staff Picks
Developing Money Management Skills - For Kids!
Money management skills can be hard to learn, but luckily the library has got you covered.
Middle Grade books featuring characters with disabilities
In the United States, 1 in 4 Americans has a disability, making it the largest and most diverse minority group in the country.
Creature Features
We're looking forward to Halloween - but it's never a bad time to enjoy a human-versus-monster flick!
Nostalgia (DVDs)
Doesn't it feel good to re-aquaint yourself with old favorites and childhood memories? Here are my personal nostalgic go-to films.
Just walking and listening to good books
I'm training for a big hike and spend a lot of time walking on our lovely Johnson County trails and listening to some good books.
Awesome Audio
Delightful, impressive, funny, dramatic, personal, or technical-audiobooks that are a joy to listen to! (Includes both digital & CD options)
Northwest Region Reads: Audiobook Appreciation
Several staff at the Monticello, DeSoto, and Shawnee branches love to listen to audiobooks! Check out some of our favorites.
Scare-BNB
The chill running down your spine is not from the air-conditioner in these delightful homes!
Are You Ready for Some Football (Romances?)
There's something at the library for every sports romance fan, ranging from sweet forward passes to spicy under-center action.
The Compound Readalikes
Fast paced books with psychological suspense and sinister settings. Enjoy these titles while you wait on The Compound or as a readalike.
Books and rhymes from Storytime with Becky Carleton
Enjoy the songs, rhymes and fingerplays planned for Fall 2025 in our storytime events with Becky Carleton!
The Dinosaurs We Made Along the Way
Tales from the Jurassic Park/World universe, as inspired by Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.
Dinosaur Rights? What About Dinosaur Wrongs?
As an ode to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous & Chaos Theory, here are survival stories + summer camps + unsupervised youths.